If you are looking for more information about the Chinese toy market or planning to start a toy business. This article starts from understanding various markets, supplier selection, import document requirements, quality certification to shipping matters.
Children’s ride-on toys are an important category of toys and the market has been growing in recent years. Honestly, importing children’s ride-on toys from China is not as complicated as you think, all you need to do is choose some good products and find the reliable supplier.
The Factors to Consider Before Importing Toys from China
Market Research
- Market research will significantly help your marketing strategy of the toys, as it will provide you with crucial insights and information about the business.
- Market research will give you a deeper understanding of your customers and competitors
- Market research will also help you understand who will buy your toys and who will not accept them, what their motivations are and how loyal they are to your brand.
- Most successful businesses enjoy longevity mainly because the owners conduct market research regularly to understand the target market, identify consumer problems, and pinpoint realistic competitors.
Tariff from China Imported Toys
When importing toys from China, it is important to understand import duties, VAT, port fees, and other taxes. Nonetheless, each country has its own method of calculating import tax rates and customs values. To find out the customs duties applicable to your shipment, please use the HS code on the packaging.
Compliance and Safety Regulations
When importing toys from China, you MUST ensure certificate and safety. Thus, regulators tend to have stringent rules and high requirements about them. Note that different countries have different regulatory requirements for toy safety and compliance. Here are some of the certifications that you may need to import toys to different parts of the world.
USA
To import toys to the US, you must ensure certified compliance with ASTM F963-11 rules.
This shows that the toy imports have undergone mechanical/physical, flammability and chemical testing.
CPSIA is also a mandatory safety certification for toys import to the US.
This regulation caters to lead, and phthalates testing’s as well as labeling testing.
European Union (EU)
If you’re importing toys to EU, you must ensure that they pass the EU’s toy safety directive EN71-1, 2, and 3.
Note that most Chinese suppliers tend to leave out the part 3 test of the EN71 toy safety regulation.
So make sure to check that your certificate includes part 3 as it is the most important one.
It shows that the usage of lead and phthalates is within acceptable limits.
Apart from the EN71 certificate, your toys imports to the EU must also have a CE mark.
And if they are electronic toys, EN62115 certification is mandatory.
Canada
For imports to Canada, CCPSA certification is required.
This regulation addresses the health issues and hazards identified with toys.
Australia and New Zealand
The AS/NZS ISO8124 is the official safety standard for toy imports to Australia and New Zealand.
It caters for physical and mechanical, flammability and heavy metal requirements testing for toy imports to Australia.
When importing to Australia or New Zealand, always ensure certification for AS/NZ ISO8124-part 1, 2, and 3.
Japan
The toy safety standard for Japan is ST2012.
Argentina and Brazil
Argentina and Brazil’s toy safety standard is NM 300.
It comprises of parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 that all toy imports to these two countries must meet.
India
For India, you’ll have to have IS-9873certification for parts 1, 2,3,4,7 and 9.
You’ll also need IS-15644 certification if you’re importing electronic toys from China to India.
South Africa
SANS 8124-1:2014/ISO 8124-1:2014 and SANS 50071-10:2015/EN 71-10:2005 apply for toy imports to South Africa.
Ride-on Toys Categories and Toy Manufacturers in China
A children’s electric toy car is a scaled-down, battery-powered vehicle designed for kids to ride or drive.
These cars often replicate real cars, trucks, or off-road vehicles and are typically made for children between the ages of 1 to 8 years old.
They come in various sizes, designs, and functionalities, offering features such as electric motors, rechargeable batteries, working headlights, realistic sound effects, and simple controls.
Children’s push cars provide an entertaining and challenging way for kids to develop coordination, fine motor skills, and an understanding of vehicle control, all while having fun mastering the art of controlled sliding within a safe and controlled environment.
A swing car is a type of ride-on toy designed for children. It typically consists of a low, seat-like structure mounted on four wheels, with a steering wheel or handlebar.
Unlike traditional pedal cars or bikes, a swing car doesn’t require pedals or a motor. Instead, it operates through a swivel motion of the steering mechanism.
And are generally used by children for recreational play both indoors and outdoors.
A children’s scooter is a small, wheeled device primarily designed for kids to ride for fun or transportation.
It typically consists of a deck or platform mounted on two or three wheels, a handlebar for steering, and a brake mechanism.
They are popular for outdoor play and are often seen as a first step towards learning balance and coordination before transitioning to bicycles.
A children’s balance bike is a type of bicycle specifically designed for young kids who are learning to ride.
Unlike traditional bikes with training wheels, a balance bike does not have pedals. Instead, it has a low frame, two wheels, a seat, and handlebars.
Balance bikes are popular because they promote a more natural progression to cycling by teaching kids the fundamental skills of balance and coordination at an early age.
A kid tricycle, often referred to as a “trike,” is a three-wheeled vehicle designed for young children. It typically consists of a seat, handlebars for steering, and three wheels for stability.
Tricycles are popular among toddlers and young children as an early introduction to riding and cycling.
A baby walker is a device designed to help infants learn to walk by providing support and mobility.
It usually consists of a frame mounted on wheels, with a fabric seat in the center where the baby sits.
The baby can use their legs to push against the floor and move the walker around. Walkers often have a tray or activity center in front of the baby, equipped with toys, buttons, or other interactive elements to engage and entertain them.
A baby stroller, also known as a pram or a pushchair, is a wheeled vehicle designed for parents or caregivers to transport infants or young children.
It typically consists of a comfortable, reclining seat with a safety harness, a canopy or hood for sun protection, and a handlebar for pushing.
Strollers come in various types and styles, including lightweight, umbrella-fold strollers, jogging strollers built for more active use, and travel systems that can accommodate infant car seats.
| Product Category | Provinces/City |
|---|---|
| ELECTRIC RIDE-ONS | Zhejing/Jiaxing and Hebei /Xingtai |
| Kids Scooter | Zhejing/Yongkang |
| Wiggle Car | Zhejiang/Yiwu and Hebei/Xingtai |
| Baby Stroller | Gungdong/Zhongshan and Anhui/Hefei |
| Baby Walker | Hebei/Xingtai |
| Balance Bike/ Kids Tricycle | Hebei/Xingtai |
What are the Toy Fairs in China?
Exploring multiple China trade fairs is crucial to uncovering premier toy suppliers, enabling access to a wide array of choices and fostering valuable networking connections within the industry. Here are the trade fairs to consider.
The China Toy Expo is one of the largest toy trade shows in Asia and is held annually in Shanghai, China. It’s a significant event within the industry, attracting exhibitors and visitors from around the world.
The expo plays a crucial role in the business-to-business aspect of the toy industry, allowing companies to promote their products, establish partnerships, and gain insights into consumer preferences and market demands in the rapidly evolving toy market.
Hongkong Toys & Games Fair is the most authoritative and largest toy exhibition in Asia. The exhibition has multiple product areas to meet the purchasing needs of buyers, including the returning brand gallery, smart toys, sports world and big children’s world.
The total exhibition area is 60,000 square meters, and there are 2,120 exhibitors from China, Taiwan, Singapore, Dubai, Italy, South Korea, Japan, Spain, Brazil, etc. The themed exhibition areas are all-inclusive, such as educational toys and games, electronic and remote control toys, holiday and party supplies, fireworks (new exhibition area), comprehensive toys, outdoor and sporting goods and toy cars, covering a wide range of toys and games from all over the world. , to meet the needs of different buyers.
Shenzhen International Toy & Education Fair
The annual Shenzhen International Toy and Education Fair takes place each year between March and April and it offers a wide range of toys and games from Hong Kong, China, and other countries. It presents great opportunities for international and domestic manufacturers and buyers. You can buy educational games and many toys.
Yiwu Toy Expo
As a professional procurement event in the field of toys and children’s products in China, it provides a suitable window for manufacturers of toys and children’s products in Yiwu to directly contact global target buyers every year, establish business contacts and improve export performance.
Relying on the world’s largest small commodity wholesale market and unique e-commerce resource advantages in Yiwu, the “World’s Small Commodity Capital”, the conference brings together various baby products, preschool supplies and brand licensing.
During the exhibition, the entire network will connect with domestic and foreign professional buyers, creating the first domestic and foreign e-commerce centralized procurement trading platform focusing on toys and children’s products.
This is one of the biggest Trade Fairs in China. It is a comprehensive trade fair feature in all product categories, and in the toy category, there are more than 50,000 products listed on their official website. Many professional toy suppliers will attend this fair. This fair is usually held in October, the specific date varies every year, you should check the notice published on the official website.
What is the process for working with suppliers?
1. Sample
After finding a supplier, you can ask for product samples to know what they offer.
Samples are important because they will tell you the quality of products to expect and the expected delivery time. Generally, it will take 10-12 days to produce samples and the shipment may take 6-8 weeks.
2. Contract
Next, you should sign a bilingual contract with a Chinese toy manufacturer. The contract will provide basic protection for negotiations if problems arise.
3. Deposit
There are many horror stories of vendors demanding payment in full and disappearing into the sunset.
You don’t want this to happen to you.
Therefore, you must choose a manufacturer who allows you to pay less than 30% of the agreed amount in advance and pay the remaining 70% after the goods pass pre-shipment inspection and the bill of lading is received.
4. Production
The first production takes longer than you would expect. That is the reason that the manufacturer will have to set up the process. Multiply the quoted production time by two to get the real production duration.
You will have to settle the product and package designs, get the samples and approve the final version for production to start.
5. QC
Quality control in toy production involves systematic processes and measures implemented at various stages of manufacturing to ensure that toys meet predetermined standards of safety, functionality, durability, and overall quality.
6. Payment
There are many payment methods to try but you will have to consider the size of your order when choosing one.
Also, ensure that you are sending the money to the company account and not a personal account. Draft a strong agreement before paying the potential supplier.
You can use international wire transfers, Escrow, PayPal, Western Union, or letters of credit.
7. Shipping
Some suppliers will have to be reminded about shipping the goods on time. Mostly, they will take 30 days to ship to you but that can reduce to 20-25 days after finding the right supplier.
8. After-sales service
If you have questions about the products about delivery, the manufacturer should be ready to offer .
If the toys are broken they should refund your money or replace them. That means that the customer representative team should be easier to reach.
How to Ship Toys When Importing from China?
Toys sea freight shipping from China
Usually, toys from China are shipped by sea. This is because toys are light products but take up a lot of volumes when shipping.
Now, sea freight from China breaks down into two categories; Full Container Loads (FCL) and Less than Container Loads (LCL). FCL shipping allows you to rent an entire container space for shipping. As in here, an entire container accommodates only your goods.
If you decide to rent a 20 ft. container, it will have the capacity to hold approximately 28 cubic meters of toys. This estimate is equivalent to about 28 pallet loads.
Alternatively, if your toy shipment exceeds 28 cubic meters but falls below 58 cubic meters, you may opt for a 40 ft. container.
In the event that your shipment surpasses 58 cubic meters, you can request a 40 ft. Hi-cube container. This particular container has the capability to carry around 58 pallet loads and can accommodate a maximum load of up to 66 cubic meters.
However, if you are shipping via pallets, selecting the 40 ft. Hi-cube container instead of the standard 40 ft. one might not provide any noticeable advantages.
For Less than Container Load (LCL) shipping, it involves consolidating your goods with those from other shippers. It is important to note that you will need to share the container space with shipments heading towards the same destination as yours. LCL shipping generally tends to be more expensive compared to Full Container Load (FCL) shipping.
However, if you take into account the costs of LCL shipping and air freight, the latter option is usually less expensive. It is worth mentioning that，LCL shipping carries certain risks, particularly the potential for goods to be damaged or lost during transit. Hence, it is of utmost importance to ensure that the container arrives at its destination in perfect condition, without being opened or tampered with at any transit port.
In fact, minimizing the handling of LCL shipments throughout the entire journey reduces the likelihood of goods being damaged or misplaced. The duration of sea shipping varies depending on the distance and destination, but generally ranges from a few days to a maximum of two months.
Toys air freight shipping from China
For shipping smaller and less bulky cargo, air freight is usually the preferred option. If you’re planning to import toys from China and the weight is less than 500 kg, it’s worth considering air freight as a shipping option. However, if the weight exceeds this limit, the costs of using air shipping will be significantly higher.
Similar to sea freight, air shipping from China has two options– standard shipping and express shipping.
Express shipping is recommended for packages that weigh less than 150 kg and is ideal for urgent items like toy product samples and important shipping documents.
Compared to sea freight, air freight is faster, with an estimated delivery period of 3-7 days, depending on the destination.
In some situations, express shipping via air freight can even be completed overnight.
Toys rail freight shipping from China
While sea freight offers affordability, it tends to be slower in delivery.
On the other hand, air freight boasts speed but comes with a higher price tag. If you seek a middle ground between these options for shipping goods from China, rail freight presents itself as a viable choice.
It stands as a faster alternative compared to sea freight while being more cost-effective than air freight.
However, it’s important to note that toys shipped via rail freight from China find feasibility primarily in West Asia and Eastern Europe destinations, given the connectivity of the Eurasia railway line.
Additionally, opting for rail freight provides the flexibility to choose between FCL (Full Container Load) or LCL (Less than Container Load) based on the size of your shipment.
Toys Door to door shipping from China
For those unable to actively engage in the shipping process, door-to-door services emerge as a convenient solution. With this approach, you enlist a freight forwarder and provide instructions solely regarding the pickup and delivery locations.
The freight forwarder takes charge of the entire shipping process, encompassing shipping arrangements, documentation, insurance, and customs clearance.
Despite incurring additional costs, door-to-door shipping from China affords you the luxury of focusing more intently on your business operations.
As this chapter draws to a close, it’s crucial to remember that the optimal shipping method hinges on various factors.
Consider the quantity of toys being shipped, the destination, and the urgency of delivery. Evaluating shipping rates becomes imperative as they significantly differ based on service providers and sellers.
Hence, conducting a thorough comparison of prices is essential before making a final decision.
Hopefully, this chapter has shed light on the diverse shipping options available when sourcing toys from China, allowing us to transition our attention to the necessary paperwork for importing these items.
Documents needed to Import Toys from China
Documentation requirements for importing toys from China vary across different countries, with each nation having its specific set of demands. Certain documents necessary for compliance in one country might not be requisite in another.
Despite these differences, it’s crucial to emphasize the existence of several vital documents essential for importing toys from China.
Here is a comprehensive list of the primary documents needed for this process:
Bill of Lading
The Bill of Lading is a important document you will require when importing toys from China. It states the title of goods and requires the carrier to release the goods in a specific port. Issued by the shipping company, the bill of lading is also used as proof of shipment for customs and insurance companies.
Commercial invoice
The commercial invoice is a formal payment note and the customs authorities require it as a declaration that the toys were exported across an international border. The invoice is prepared by the exporter.
Packing List
Issued by cargo companies, the packing list shows the toys in shipment and the packing information. The packing list provides the needed information about the contents of baggage to all parties involved in the exportation process.
Certificate of Origin
The certificate of origin indicates that the goods are wholly obtained, manufactured, produced, or processed in China.
The exporter has to provide this document to the importer. It might be a preferential certificate of origin, which states that the goods are produced in a country with a trade agreement with your country, or a non-preferential certificate of origin stating the goods do not qualify for exceptional treatment.
Certificate of Conformity
With toy products, it is important to have a certificate of conformity during importation.
The paper shows that you’re importing toy products that are compliant with the set quality and safety requirements. Without this, it can be pretty hard for customs to approve the entry of your imports.
Final Words
Thanks for reading, if you have any problem with importing toys from China, let me know feel free to CONTACT US directly.
We are the leading kid’s ride-on toys wholesale export company in China, and our office is just in Xingtai City. So if you come to China next time, you are super welcome to visit us.